Anthony Joshua has successfully met the weight requirement well ahead of his upcoming bout against Jake Paul. The former two-time heavyweight champion had been out of action since a tough defeat by Daniel Dubois in September 2024, which led to a break from the sport due to minor injuries sustained during the fight.
After undergoing a successful elbow surgery and resuming training, Joshua is anticipated to have a smooth victory over the boxing novice Paul before an eventful 2026 in the ring. The heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Paul is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, where they will compete over eight three-minute rounds wearing 10oz gloves.
While Paul transitions comfortably back to the heavyweight division following his previous fight against Mike Tyson, Joshua faced a challenge as he was instructed to weigh in under 245lb. Despite initial concerns about his weight cut, Joshua revealed in a recent social media video that he currently weighs around 244.7Ib (111kg), much to the relief of his supporters. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua’s readiness and excellent condition ahead of the fight.
A victory in the December bout would boost Joshua’s confidence as he eyes a successful 2026, potentially culminating in a summer clash with Tyson Fury. Plans outlined by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh hint at significant events involving Joshua in London next year, including a monumental fight in September.
The anticipated Miami showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul on December 19 is set to stream live on Netflix. Fans can access the fight for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, providing a prime viewing opportunity for the exciting clash. The fight is expected to commence around 11pm local time, approximately 4am in the UK, with the event’s timing subject to adjustments based on the undercard duration.